Peace and responsibility toward the younger generations were at the heart of the UAE Pastoral Meeting held on September 18 at St. Michael’s Parish in Shariqah. Led by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of Southern Arabia, the meeting brought together priests and religious sisters from across the Emirates, together with the directors of the Vicariate offices.

Opening the meeting, Bishop Paolo urged priests “to offer regular prayers for peace in our parishes.” He shared a reflection inspired by Pope Francis’ repeated appeals for peace, recalling in particular the situation in the Holy Land and its impact on the Gulf region.

Bishop Paolo also addressed the challenges in Yemen, which is part of AVOSA.
“I am in almost daily contact with the priest who visits the two communities of the Missionaries of Charity, the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Unfortunately, tensions between the Houthis and Israel are increasing. Recently, the city of Sana’a has suffered repeated attacks. Yet the sisters continue their work with determination and dedication, offering us a moving testimony of Christian service to the poorest.” He added that this situation “calls us in a special way to pray for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East and throughout the world.”

The meeting also provided an opportunity to share the experience of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, which saw about 90 young people represent AVOSA. Other initiatives for teenagers, university students, and young adults were presented and discussed.

“I believe it is important to highlight the value of the events we offer as an Apostolic Vicariate and to prioritize joint initiatives among different groups. This strengthens our pastoral mission and deepens our experience of unity as one vicariate, despite the diversity within our Church,” Bishop Paolo said.

The session also featured a presentation of the Particular Calendar of AVOSA, recently approved by the Holy See. Other key anniversaries marking the new pastoral year were highlighted: the Jubilee of Hope, the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and the reception of the themes of the final document of the Synod on synodality.